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Continuation has been the key for Hertha Berlin, who are proving that their outstanding 2015/16 campaign was no fluke. Pal Dardai breathed new life into the Old Lady when he took charge in February 2015, first guiding the club to safety before taking them on an extraordinary journey through the upper echelons of the Bundesliga last term. Those who felt the bubble had burst with their slide out of the top three last term, and elimination in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League last summer, have been proven wrong by nine wins in 16 games so far this season, and a worthy third place which suggests entry through the front door to European competition next season.

Vedad Ibisevic's first six months in the Bundesliga was as emphatic as they could get – with 18 goals in 17 games for promoted TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in 2008. Eight years later, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international is proving he can still deliver, with eight goals in 15 appearances – including his 100th Bundesliga goal in a 2-1 win over 1. FSV Mainz 05. "Vedad scores winning goals which stick in your mind," said Dardai of his forward.

Honourable mention: Berlin pays respects

Tragedy struck Germany's capital on 19 December when 12 people were killed as they visited a Christmas market in the city. Just a few days later, Hertha led the tributes with a moving minute of silence prior to their Bundesliga fixture against SV Darmstadt 98.

Watch:Football Germany mourns the Berlin attack victims:

Top facts

Hertha lost back-to-back Bundesliga games only on one occasion so far this season.

Ibisevic has scored against every Bundesliga club, apart from RB Leipzig.

Julian Schieber was the most used substitute in the Bundesliga in 2016, coming on 22 times.

Only Darmstadt (152) had fewer than Hertha's 164 shots on goal in the first 16 games of the season.